Sacramento teenager Bobby Butler became the Westcar Late Model Series eighth winner in eight races by dominating the event Saturday at All American Speedway in Roseville, Ca.
Butler picked up the win on the paved quarter-mile oval after turning 18 years-old just five days prior.
"Its amazing, I cant ask for anything more as a birthday gift," Butler said. "Ive wanted to win a big race like this at this track ever since I was little."
Points leader Byron Gonzales of Carmichael led the opening five laps, before Butler passed him on the outside.
Gary Glenn of Orangevale followed Butler around Gonzales and made a nice pass to take the lead from Butler inside on lap 19.
Except for Melissa Davis of Santa Rosa, all the points contenders faced trouble.
Gonzales suffered heavy damage to the front of his car after contact with the lapped car of Ryan Peter of Rio Linda.
On lap 26, Tim Bost of Paradise and Mike Lehman of Rio Linda got together, and Dan Knight of Ukiah hit Lehman head on. Both drivers nursed their cars down many laps to the finish.
Fast-time qualifier Steve Daniels moved up to second place and took the lead from Glenn on lap 34, after heavy contact that cut Glenns left-rear tire.
The leaders were in heavy traffic, and a chain reaction crash involving Christina Davis, Gonzales, and Chet Danburg of Carson City, allowed Butler to sneak by Daniels racing back to the line.
Gonzales got tangled with Christina Davis again on lap 64 and saw his chances to hold the points lead fizzle.
Butler led being followed closely by Mike Mansch of Roseville in heavy lapped traffic. Mansch saw his chances for a second Westcar win fade when he spun on lap 80 after contact with Glick.
Butler cruised to victory over Glick, Melissa Davis, Bost, and Scott Chappell of Lodi. "We were fortunate to have a couple things go our way," Butler said. "The cautions got to me and I had to try and calm down."
Mansch experienced another day where luck claimed a chance at victory. "I dont know what I would have had to do but oh yeah I would have beat Butler," Mansch said. "Car was hooking up at the end, looks like Im just going to have to drive a little more aggressive."
Gonzales lost to the points lead to Davis heading into the series final race. "I wish this was a nightmare I could wake up from," Gonzales said. "First wreck, had to replace the radiator, second wreck we had to fix the center link and the tow."
Butler jubilantly climbed the fence to a standing ovation following the victory for the youngster in just his eighth career Late Model start. "I dont know where I got the energy to do that," Butler said. "I love Westcar!"
Gary Glenn won the Scott Performance Wires dash.
Sponsors for WESTCAR's 2005 season include the Peppermill, Scott Performance Wires, Xbox, Amsoil, California Door and Frame, Sierra Racing Products, Circle Track Steering, Competition Carburetion, Jim Courage Pools, Fensler Racing, DPI, F.R.E., JME, John L. Sullivan, Perry Racing and Plaza Hotel.
Full results for 8-20 at All American Speedway:
1. Bobby Butler Sacramento, Ca $1250 + $100 California Door & Frame most laps led 2. Chuck Glick Citrus Heights, Ca $750 3. Melissa Davis Santa Rosa, Ca $650 4. Tim Bost Paradise, Ca $500 5. Scott Chappell Lodi, Ca $450 6. Kenny Crome Reno, Nv $425 7. Mike Mansch Roseville, Ca $400 8. Chet Danburg Carson City, Nv $375 9. Steve Vance Loomis, Ca $350 + $100 Courage Pools Hard Charger 10. Christina Davis Santa Rosa, Ca $325 11. John Callas Navato, Ca $300 12. Steve Daniels Orangevale, Ca $290 13. Gary Glenn Orangevale, Ca $280 14. Dan Cherry Sacramento, Ca $270 15. Byron Gonzales Carmichael, Ca $260 16. Dan Knight Ukiah, Ca $250 17. Jim Turner Loyalton, Ca $240 18. Ryan Peter Rio Linda, Ca $230 19. Paul Spencer Placerville, Ca $220 20. Mark Holeman Los Altos, Ca $210 21. Mike Lehman Rio Linda, Ca $210 22. Andrew Livengood Richmond, Ca $210
